Itasca Sunstar-need opinions

VegasVanGuy · Jul 8, 2016

I need opinions on the Itasca Sunstar. It was made 2002-2004. It has a VW chassis and V6. Reviews say it gets 14-18 mpg. I'm thinking more around 14. From what I have read, VW dealerships don't want to service the powertrain because it is an RV. RV dealerships don't want to deal with it because all they work on is GM/Ford. Also, no tire manufacturer makes the same front tires as the OEM specification.

There is one available in my area. 51k miles. I like the layout of the interior. I like the mpg. NADA book is $12k. They are asking $19k which would be fair for a 22ft RV that can get serviced anywhere. With the difficulties I wouldn't pay $19k.

Does NADA reflect RV values in your opinion?
With the difficulties mentioned, should I even pursue this RV?

Thanks for any input.

highdesertranger · Jul 8, 2016

I have no idea about NADA. but I would stay away. 1st I don't think VW's are practically reliable. 2nd it's FWD, yuck. highdesertranger

blars · Jul 8, 2016

IMHO NADA tends to be high on younger RVs, low on older ones. The switch is around 5 years.

shadow · Jul 10, 2016

You may like it, but don`t buy it. getting parts for it is extremely difficult, nobody wants to work on it, and as you said, even finding tires for it is difficult.

BigT · Jul 10, 2016

highdesertranger said:
I don't think VW's are practically reliable.

I have a friend who owns an automotive shop in Santa Cruz, and his most common advice to friends and customers is "Never buy a car that starts with the letter V".

Those are the ones that show up at the shop the most often.

rob1n · Jul 11, 2016

BigT said:
I have a friend who owns an automotive shop in Santa Cruz, and his most common advice to friends and customers is "Never buy a car that starts with the letter V".

Those are the ones that show up at the shop the most often.

Could that be because Santa Cruz is where old Beetles and Volvos go to die? LOL

I have a Rialta that I love. I've only put 5k on it but so far, so good.